Test strip ejector for medical device

ABSTRACT

A system for receiving and ejecting a fluid testing device test strip includes a strip connector having first and second guide rails, and divider walls each having a channel. A sled has first and second legs connected to a cross member. Each leg has a contact leg extending inwardly from a chamfered end. The first and second legs when positioned parallel to the guide rails have the contact leg captured in the divider wall channels retaining the sled in sliding contact with the guide rails for motions in loading and ejection directions. A mechanism assembly is movably connected to the fluid testing device. The cross member is coupled so operation in a first direction displaces the sled in the loading direction positioning the sled in a test strip test position, and opposite operation positions the contact legs in direct contact with and ejects the test strip.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/761,465 filed Feb. 7, 2013, which is hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a device and method for loading andthen ejecting a sample containing test strip following measurement.

BACKGROUND

Medical devices are often used as diagnostic devices and/or therapeuticdevices in diagnosing and/or treating medical conditions of patients.For example, a blood glucose meter is used as a diagnostic device tomeasure blood glucose levels of patients suffering from diabetes. Bloodglucose meters use a test strip that receives a blood sample of thepatient. The test strip has electrical contacts on the strip that areelectrically contacted when the test strip is inserted into the meter.The meter determines a blood glucose level by measuring currents passedthrough the electrical contacts of the strip, and provides for readoutof the glucose level.

Known meters receive the test strip in an insertion direction that alsoengages the electrical strip conductors of the test strip with theelectrical contacts of the meter. As the test strip is loaded by theuser, the insertion motion is used to drive the electrical contacts ofthe test strip into engagement with the contacts of the meter. The stripejection system permits ejection of the dosed test strip followingtesting without further contact of the test strip by the user. Anyinterference with or sliding contact of the electrical contacts of thetest strip during insertion, however, can damage the electrical contactsor misalign one or more of the contacts. A force applied to eject thetest strip of known strip ejection systems can also cause racking orrotation of the test strip which can bind the test strip or interferewith ejection.

For example, the measurement device of U.S. Published Patent ApplicationNo. 2010/0012530 to Watanabe et al. includes a pushing member havingprojection part that is slidably guided within a pushing member cover.Clearance between the projection part and pushing member thereforelimits the control available to reduce deflection of pushing memberduring its travel to displace a sensor. In addition, pushing memberincludes a single substantially centrally positioned projection partguided in a notch. Control of racking of the pushing member duringtravel is limited by the tolerances between the projection part andpushing member cover, and between the projection part and notch. Abraking system having a first braking part in contact with a side wallof the sensor is provided to slow down the exit speed of the sensor.This system does not preclude racking of either the pushing member orthe sensor, has only the single projection part to contact and drive thesensor which can therefore be off-center of the sensor, and adds thecomplexity of a braking system to limit ejection velocity.

European Patent Application EP 1321769 to Pugh appears to disclose atest strip dispensing system having strip push members guided betweenrails. Rails of this design are positioned external to the strip pushmembers. The strip push members include outer wall areas such as ledgesacting as guides. The ledges, however, are positioned within the rails;therefore, continuous positive contact between the strip push membersand the rails to limit racking is not provided and racking can occur dueto a tolerance between the components. The design of strip push membersand rails also precludes installation in a direction perpendicular tothe push member travel direction.

European Patent Application EP 1321769 to Pugh appears to disclose atest strip dispensing system having strip push members 116, 210 guidedbetween rails 100 or 214. Rails of this design are positioned externalto the strip push members. The strip push members include outer wallareas such as ledges 220 acting as guides. Ledges 220, however, arepositioned within the rails 214; therefore, continuous positive contactbetween the strip push members 116, 210 and the rails to limit rackingis not provided and racking can occur due to a tolerance between thecomponents. The design of strip push members 116, 210 and rails 100, 214also precludes installation in a direction perpendicular to the pushmember travel direction.

The background description provided herein is for the purpose ofgenerally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of thepresently named inventors, to the extent it is described in thisbackground section, as well as aspects of the description that may nototherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neitherexpressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the presentdisclosure.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment of the disclosure, a test strip ejector system forreceiving and ejecting a test strip of a fluid testing device includes astrip connector including first and second guide rails, and first andsecond divider walls between the first and second guide rails, each ofthe first and second divider walls having a channel. A sled has parallelfirst and second legs connected to a cross member. Each of the legs hasa contact leg extending inwardly from a chamfered end. The first andsecond legs when positioned in an orientation parallel to the first andsecond guide rails has the contact leg of each of the first and secondlegs captured in the channel of one of the first or second divider wallsacting to retain the sled in sliding continuous contact with the firstand second guide rails for sled motion in each of a loading directionand an ejection direction. A mechanism assembly is movably connected tothe fluid testing device. The cross member of the sled is coupled to themechanism assembly such that operation of the mechanism assembly in afirst direction displaces the sled in the loading direction to positionthe sled in a test strip test position, and opposite operation of themechanism assembly in a second direction displaces the sled in theejection direction away from the test strip test position and toposition the contact legs in direct contact with the test strip to ejectthe test strip from the fluid testing device by sled travel toward atest strip ejection position.

In another embodiment, a test strip ejector system for receiving andejecting a test strip of a fluid testing device includes a stripconnector including first and second guide rails, and first and seconddivider walls positioned between the first and second guide rails. Eachof the first and second divider walls has a channel. A sled has parallelfirst and second legs connected to a cross member. The cross member isreceived in a cavity between the first and second guide rails. Each ofthe legs has a contact leg extending inwardly from a free end. The firstand second legs when positioned in an orientation parallel to the firstand second guide rails have the contact leg of each of the first andsecond legs captured in the channel of one of the first or seconddivider walls thereafter retaining the sled in sliding continuouscontact with the first and second guide rails for sled motion in each ofa loading direction and an ejection direction. A mechanism assembly ismovably connected to the fluid testing device. The cross member of thesled is coupled to the mechanism assembly such that operation of themechanism assembly in a first direction displaces the sled in theloading direction to position the sled in a test strip test position,and opposite operation of the mechanism assembly in a second directiondisplaces the sled in the ejection direction away from the test striptest position and to position the contact legs in direct contact withthe test strip to eject the test strip from the fluid testing device bysled travel toward a test strip ejection position. According to furtheraspects, a biasing member connected to the mechanism assembly acts tobias the mechanism assembly in the first direction automaticallyreturning the sled to the test strip test position after displacement tothe test strip ejection position.

In a further embodiment, a method is provided for receiving and ejectinga test strip by a mechanism assembly of a fluid testing device. Themechanism assembly includes a strip connector including first and secondguide rails and first and second divider walls positioned between thefirst and second guide rails. Each of the first and second divider wallshas a channel. A sled has parallel first and second legs connected to across member separating the first and second legs by an initial spacing.Each of the legs has a chamfered end and a contact leg extendinginwardly from the chamfered end. The legs initially displace outwardlywith respect to the initial spacing with the chamfered end positionedparallel with respect to the guide rails such that the contact leg ofeach of the first and second legs is received in the channel of one ofthe first or second divider walls. The first and second legssubsequently when rotated to an orientation parallel to the first andsecond guide rails allow the legs to spring back to the initial spacingthereby capturing the contact leg of each of the first and second legsin the channel to retain the sled in sliding continuous contact with thefirst and second guide rails for sled motion in each of a loadingdirection and an ejection direction. A member is movably connected tothe fluid testing device. The cross member of the sled is coupled to themember such that member movement in a first direction displaces the sledin the loading direction to position the sled in a test strip testposition, and opposite member movement in a second direction operates todisplace the sled in the ejection direction away from the test striptest position and to position the contact legs in direct contact withthe test strip to eject the test strip from the fluid testing device bysled travel toward a test strip ejection position.

In a further embodiment of the disclosure, the system includes parallelfirst and second guide rails defining a rail cavity between the guiderails. A sled has opposed first and second legs each positively andcontinuously slidably engaged to one of the first or second guide railsthereby limiting the sled to only sliding motion in either a loadingdirection or an opposite ejection direction. The first and second legsare connected by a cross member at one end of the legs. The sled hasfirst and second contact legs in direct contact with the test stripbetween the guide rails during sliding motion in at least the ejectiondirection. An actuator arm is rotatably connected to a manually operatedmechanism assembly. An engagement post of the actuator arm is receivedand retained in an elongated slot of the cross member such that slidingmotion of the sled in the loading direction and rotation of the actuatorarm positions the sled in a test strip test position, and oppositerotation of the actuator arm operates to displace the sled in theejection direction and to eject the test strip.

In further embodiments, a fluid testing medical device adapted fortesting and rejection of a test strip includes a strip connectorpositioned in the device. A test strip when positioned in a testposition makes electrical contact with the strip connector. A test stripejector system is connected to the device which includes: first andsecond guide rails; a sled having opposed first and second legsconnected at one end by a cross member, each of the legs externallyslidably connected to one of the first or second guide rails for sledmotion in each of a loading direction and an ejection direction; and amounting pin connected to the printed circuit board. A button body hasan elongated slot receiving the mounting pin allowing the button body toslide inwardly and outwardly with respect to the fluid testing medicaldevice. An actuator arm is rotatably coupled to the mounting pin and isrotatably connected to each of the button body and the cross member ofthe sled such that inward sliding motion of the button body inducesaxial rotation of the actuator arm and displacement of the sled in theejection direction.

In further embodiments, the test meter includes a glucose test meterhaving a test strip ejector system for receiving and ejecting a teststrip. The test meter includes a meter body having a printed circuitboard positioned therein. Parallel first and second guide rails of astrip connector are connected to the printed circuit board, the firstand second guide rails defining a cavity between the guide rails. A sledhas first and second legs each having a contact leg extending into thecavity. The first and second legs are connected by a cross member. Eachof the legs is connected externally to and is slidably coupled withrespect to one of the first or second guide rails thereby limitingdisplacement of the sled to only sliding motion in either a loadingdirection or an opposite ejection direction. A test strip when disposedin the cavity directly contacts the contact legs during motion in atleast the ejection direction motion. An actuator arm is rotatablyconnected to a mechanism assembly. The actuator arm has an engagementpost contacting the cross member such that sliding motion of the sled inthe loading direction and rotation of the actuator arm positions thesled in a test strip test position, and opposite rotation of theactuator arm operates to displace the sled in the ejection direction andto eject the test strip.

In further embodiments, methods for receiving and ejecting a test stripof a fluid testing device are provided.

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not acomprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. The description and specific examples in this summaryare intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a rear plan view of a fluid analysis device having a teststrip ejector of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a front elevational end view of the analysis device of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 shows a top left perspective view of a circuit board assembly andtest strip ejector of the analysis device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a top left perspective assembly view of the circuit boardassembly and test strip ejector similar to FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of the sled and strip connector ofFIG. 3 prior to installation of the sled;

FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of the sled and strip connector ofFIG. 5 following initial angular installation of the sled;

FIG. 7 shows and end elevational view of the assembled sled and stripconnector;

FIG. 8 shows a cross sectional side elevational view taken at section 8of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 shows a top left perspective view of the test strip, sled andstrip connector showing direct contact between the sled and the teststrip;

FIG. 10 shows a top left perspective view of another aspect of a sled ofthe present disclosure; and

FIG. 11 shows a top left perspective view of the sled of FIG. 10assembled with the strip connector during receipt of a test strip.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings. The drawings described herein are forillustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possibleimplementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an analysis device 10 of a test strip ejectorsystem 12, which can be used for example for testing blood glucoselevels, includes a housing 14 upon which a digital readout is providedindicating the results of a body fluid test conducted by the analysisdevice 10. An ejection button 16 is depressed following completion ofthe test to eject a test strip 18 which was previously received in aloading direction “A” in housing 14. Upon depression of the ejectionbutton 16, the test strip 18 is ejected in an ejection direction “B”.The user of the test strip 18 initially inserts test strip 18 intoanalysis device 10 so the test strip 18 is recognized, and then removesand doses and then again manually inserts the dosed test strip 18 in theloading direction “A”. After analyses, subsequent operation of ejectionbutton 16 ejects the test strip 18. Alternately, the user can manuallypull the test strip 18 in the ejection direction “B” to manually removethe test strip.

Referring to FIG. 2, test strip 18 is slidably received via a test stripreceiving passage 20 created in a first end of analysis device 10. Thetest strip receiving passage 20 is sized to slidably receive the teststrip 18 while generally preventing twisting or rotation, such as aracking rotation, due to lateral or side-to-side displacement of thetest strip.

Referring to FIG. 3 and again to FIGS. 1 and 2, with the housing 14removed for clarity, the components of a circuit board assembly 22 arevisible. Circuit board assembly 22 includes a printed circuit board(PCB) 24 such as a printed circuit board having multiple componentsattached thereto. Housing 14 further includes a mechanism assembly 26which can be biased prior to or upon receipt of the test strip 18 andcan apply a displacement force or a biasing force to eject the teststrip 18. Mechanism assembly 26 includes ejection button 16 having anintegrally connected button body 28 which together are horizontallydisplaced while being motion limited by an axially elongated mountingpin 30. Mounting pin 30 is extended from a lower housing componentthrough a hole created in PCB 24, or affixed to PCB 24, and has alongitudinal axis 31 oriented perpendicular to the PCB 24. A linkingmember defining an actuator arm 32 is rotatably connected to mountingpin 30 and rotates when button body 28 and ejection button 16 arehorizontally displaced in a button inward displacement direction “C”.According to further aspects, mounting pin 30 oriented coaxial tolongitudinal axis 31 is an integrally connected portion of actuator arm32 and extends through PCB 24 into a hole or receiving aperture createdin the lower housing component.

The ejection button 16 may be biased using an ejection button biasingmember 33 (not completely visible in this view) to return in a returndirection “D” to the button extended position shown following depressionby the user. Manual depression of ejection button 16 in the buttoninward displacement direction “C” inwardly horizontally displaces buttonbody 28 inducing actuator arm 32 to rotate with respect to axis 31.Actuator arm 32 is directly connected to a sled 34 by an engagement post36 integrally extending from actuator arm 32. Rotational motion ofactuator arm 32 induces a sliding displacement of sled 34 in theejection direction “B”. The sled 34 is slidably and connectably engagedwith respect to opposed and parallel oriented first and second guiderails 38, 40. The first and second guide rails 38, 40 are integralcomponents of a strip connector 42, which is fixedly connected toprinted circuit board 24. The sled 34 slides with respect to and isexternally engaged to each of the first and second guide rails 38, 40,as will be better described in reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

Referring to FIG. 4 and again to FIGS. 1-3, the components of mechanismassembly 26 are shown in exploded view for better recognition. Themounting pin 30 includes a first pin portion 44 which is integrallyconnected to a second pin portion 46. Second pin portion 46 has asmaller diameter than first pin portion 44, thereby creating a pinshoulder 48 which is elevated with respect to PCB 24. The diameter ofsecond pin portion 46 is sized such that second pin portion 46 isslidably received in an elongated slot 50 created in button body 28 whena lower or first surface 52 of button body 28 is supported by and indirect contact with pin shoulder 48. A through aperture 54 also createdin button body 28 rotatably receives an arm connecting post 56 which isintegrally connected to actuator arm 32 and extends from a first face 58of actuator arm 32. Arm connecting post 56 is received in throughaperture 54 when first face 58 is in direct contact with is supported ona second surface 60 of button body 28. The second pin portion 46 ofmounting pin 30 after extending through elongated slot 50 is rotatablyreceived in a pin receiving aperture 62 created in actuator arm 32.

Button body 28 and ejection button 16 are together permitted to slidehorizontally in each of the inward displacement direction “C” and theopposite return direction “D” because of the length of elongated slot 50which receives and thereby directs second pin portion 46. The actuatorarm 32, however, which is rotatably mounted to second pin portion 46, islimited to rotation with respect to axis 31. As ejection button 16 andbutton body 28 are displaced in the inward displacement direction “C” bythe user of analysis device 10, the horizontal motion of button body 28is converted to a rotation of actuator arm 32 as a rotational force actsthrough arm connecting post 56. It is noted the engagement pin 36 ofactuator arm 32 also extends from first face 58. The engagement pin 36is received in a sled elongated slot 64 created in sled 34. Rotation ofactuator arm 32 with respect to pin receiving aperture 62 acts throughengagement pin 36 to induce a sliding motion of sled 34 in the ejectiondirection “B”, which directly contacts and therefore ejects test strip18.

After completion of the test by the analysis device 10, the test strip18 is ejected from housing 14 by depression of ejection button 16 in theinward displacement direction “C”. Actuator arm 32 rotates with respectto axis 31 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 3, havingengagement post 36 engaged with sled 34 within sled elongated slot 64,which displaces sled 34 in the ejection direction “B” and therebydischarges test strip 18. The amount of force applied by the user toejection button 16 directly determines the force applied by actuator arm32 and engagement post 36 to sled 34 to eject test strip 18. The higherthe applied force, the greater the velocity of ejection of test strip18. Therefore, the force received (Fr) to eject the test strip 18 is afunction of the force applied (Fa) to ejection button 16 which isgreater than the opposing biasing force (Fo) of ejection button biasingmember 33 (Fr=Fa−Fo). Test strip 18 can therefore be ejected with enoughforce/velocity to direct test strip 18 into a trash or biohazardcontainer (not shown) when not positioned directly over the container,or if analysis device 10 is held directly over the trash or biohazardcontainer, a reduced force applied to ejection button 16 will push teststrip 18 out to subsequently fall by gravity. When ejection button 16 isreleased, the biasing force of ejection button biasing member 33 returnsejection button 16 to its fully extended position.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the test strip analysisposition shown in FIG. 3 can be reached by displacing sled 34 in theloading direction “A” by manual insertion of the test strip 18. Theforce of insertion of test strip 18 slidably displaces sled 34 in theloading direction “A” which directly rotates the actuator arm 32 in aclockwise direction. As the test strip 18 is inserted in the loadingdirection “A”, direct contact between test strip 18 and sled 34 occursbetween the first and second guide rails 38, 40. The elongated slot 50permits actuator arm 32 to rotate with respect to mounting pin 30 inresponse to a load applied from a sliding motion in the loadingdirection “A” of both the test strip 18 and sled 34. In this aspect, thesliding motion of sled 34 is translated into a rotational motion ofactuator arm 32 by contact between engagement post 36 and a wall definedby elongated slot 64.

As noted above, displacement of ejection button 16 causes rotation ofthe button body 28 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed withrespect to FIG. 3. As the actuator arm 32 rotates in thecounterclockwise direction, a force is applied via contact betweenactuator arm 32 and engagement post 36 such that the rotational motionof actuator arm 32 is translated into an axial sliding motion of teststrip 18 in the ejection direction “B”. The test strip 18 which is indirect contact with sled 34 is ejected in the ejection direction “B” asthe sled 34 is induced to slide in the ejection direction “B”. The teststrip 18, during test strip loading in the second aspect describedabove, and during the ejection step, is in direct contact with each ofopposed first and second contact legs 94, 96 which are substantiallyrigid, integrally connected to sled 34, and positioned between the firstand second guide rails 38, 40 which will be described in reference toFIGS. 5-7.

Referring to FIG. 5, the first and second guide rails 38, 40 areoppositely positioned in a mirror image configuration of each other andhave common individual features. Multiple insulator members 66 similarto polymeric material fingers are positioned between first and secondguide rails 38, 40, and provide for individual separation of test stripcontact members (more clearly visible in FIG. 9). First and second guiderails 38, 40 are substantially rigid and are supported by first andsecond support walls 68, 70. Opposed and parallel first and seconddivider walls 72, 73 define boundaries of the insulator members 66. Eachof the first and second divider walls 72, 73 includes a wall notch 74(only a first one of the wall notches is visible in this view). Achannel 76 (only one channel 76 is visible in this view) is createdbetween each of the first and second divider walls 72, 73 and itsassociated first or second support wall 68, 70. Each of the first andsecond guide rails 38, 40 also includes a smooth, planar surface 78, 79oriented perpendicular to the first or second support wall 68, 70.

With continuing reference to FIG. 5 and again to FIG. 4, sled 34 furtherincludes opposed and parallel first and second legs 80, 82 which aresubstantially mirror images of each other. A Cross member 84 isintegrally connected between and therefore joins the first and secondlegs 80, 82. The cross member 84 includes opposed first and secondflanges 86, 88 which stiffen the cross member 84 and also providecontact points for the engagement post 36 of the actuator arm 32. Thefirst and second flanges 86, 88 are oppositely positioned about the sledelongated slot 64. Opposed first and second inner ribs 90, 92 are alsoprovided which stiffen and extend for substantially an entire length ofeach of the first and second legs 80, 82. First inner rib 90 integrallyextends from first leg 80 and second inner rib 92 integrally extendsfrom second leg 82. A first contact leg 94 integrally extends inwardlyfrom first inner rib 90 and a second contact leg 96 integrally extendsinwardly from second inner rib 92. Each of the first and second legs 80,82 also includes free end defining a chamfered end 98, 100 (only firstchamfered end 98 is clearly visible in this view) whose purpose will bediscussed in reference to FIG. 6. The first and second legs 80, 82 areseparated by a spacing “S” between the first and second contact legs 94,96 which are located at free ends of the first and second legs 80, 82.The first and second legs 80, 82 can be elastically displaced apart fromeach other during installation into the strip connector 42; therefore,the spacing “S” in the nominal position shown will temporarily increaseduring installation of the sled 34 to allow receipt of the first andsecond contact legs 94, 96 into the wall notches 74.

According to several embodiments, sled 34 is made of a metal such asstainless steel, to maximize a stiffness-to-weight ratio of sled 34.Other materials for sled 34 can also be used, including plastics.According to several aspects engagement post 36 and actuator arm 32, aswell as ejection button 16 and button body 28 are created of a polymericmaterial. The polymeric material selected can have a low coefficient offriction such as polyoxymethylene (POM). A POM material or a similarmaterial having a low coefficient of friction is selected at least forengagement post 36 to maintain the shape of engagement post 36 and tominimize frictional resistance between engagement post 36 and sled 34 asengagement post 36 slides within elongated slot 64, and as actuator arm32 and therefore engagement post 36 rotate with respect to sled 34.According to other aspects, in lieu of a separate part, sled post 42 canbe an integral extension of the material of actuator arm 32 and madesuch as by an injection molding or similar process during manufacture ofactuator arm 32.

Referring to FIG. 6 and again to FIG. 5, to install sled 34 in slidingcontact with the first and second guide rails 38, 40, the first andsecond chamfered ends 98, 100 of the first and second legs 80, 82 areinitially oriented in parallel with the planar surfaces 78, 79 of thefirst and second guide rails 38, 40. This orients the first and secondlegs 80, 82 at an angle alpha (.alpha.) with respect to the planarsurfaces 78, 79 of the first and second guide rails 38, 40. At thistime, the first leg 80 is elastically outwardly displaced in an outwarddisplacement direction “E”, while the second leg 82 is elasticallyoutwardly displaced in an outward displacement direction “F” oppositelydirected with respect to outward displacement direction “E”. Outwarddisplacement of the first and second legs 80, 82 allows the first andsecond contact legs 94, 96 to be positioned into the wall notches 74 offirst and second divider walls 72, 73. The biasing force created by legoutward displacement thereafter returns the first and second legs 80, 82to the nominal leg positions by inward displacement opposite to theoutward displacement directions “E”, “F”. The sled 34 is then rotateduntil the first and second legs 80, 82 contact and engage with the firstand second guide rails 38, 40, and the first and second flanges 86, 88of the cross member 84 are received in a cavity 102 defined between thefirst and second support walls 68, 70. The first flange 86 will contactthe free ends of the insulator members 66 at a maximum sliding positionof sled 34, defining the ejection position of sled 34. At an oppositesled displacement position, the first and second contact legs 94, 96will contact inner edges of the wall notches 74 defining a test positionof sled 34 where testing of the test strip 18 will be conducted.

Referring to FIG. 7 and again to FIGS. 5-6, the first leg 80 is a mirrorimage of second leg 82; therefore, the following discussion of thefeatures of second leg 82 also applies equally to first leg 80. Secondleg 82 includes a planar portion 104 which is oriented parallel and insliding contact with the planar surface 79 of second guide rail 40. Theplanar portion 104 transitions into a convex portion 106 which contactsthe outer face of second guide rail 40 thereby acting to preventside-to-side motion of sled 34. A concave portion 108 is integrallyconnected to convex portion 106, and allows the second leg 82 to capturea bottom side 110 of second guide rail 40, thereby preventing sled 34from lifting away from second guide rail 40 (in an upward direction asviewed in FIG. 7) during sliding motion of sled 34. A free end 112 ofsecond leg 82 is angularly oriented away from second support wall 70 andprovides a grip or contact portion to allow manual release of second leg82 from second guide rail 40. The substantially U-shape defined byplanar portion 104, convex portion 106 and concave portion 108 allowsfor sliding motion of sled 34, while preventing vertical release and/orside-to-side displacement of sled 34 with respect to the guide rails.The second contact leg 96 is angularly oriented with respect to planarportion 104, thereby defining an angle beta (.beta.). Angle .beta. canrange from approximately 20 to approximately 70 degrees, which allowssecond contact leg 96 to be captured in the wall notch 74 of seconddivider wall 73. The first and second contact legs 94, 96 therefore actto further stabilize sled 34 against vertical release and/or againstside-to-side displacement. The primary purpose of first and secondcontact legs, however, is to provide for direct contact between sled 34and test strip 18. A length of the first and second contact legs 94, 96is therefore predetermined such that free ends of the first and secondcontact legs 94, 96 are also positioned in the test strip receivingpassage 20, thereby providing for direct contact between sled 34 andtest strip 18 when test strip 18 is positioned in test strip receivingpassage 20.

Referring to FIG. 8 and again to FIGS. 1-7, sled 34 is shown in the teststrip 18 loaded or analysis test position such that a plane 114extending through test strip 18 is oriented parallel to each of theplanar surfaces 78, 79 of the first and second guide rails 38, 40 (onlyfirst guide rail 38 and planar surface 78 are visible in this view) andprinted circuit board 24. Actuator arm 32 rotates parallel with respectto plane 114, which therefore minimizes the potential for binding orracking of sled 34 as it receives or ejects test strip 18 in either theloading direction “A” or ejection direction “B”.

Referring to FIG. 9 and again to FIG. 3 the contact leg spacing “S” offirst and second contact legs 94, 96 is selected to position first andsecond contact legs 94, 96 within test strip receiving channel 20 whileproviding as wide as possible contact leg spacing “S” at the maximumwidth of test strip 18. Contact between first and second contact legs94, 96 with test strip 18 occurs at an end face 116 of test strip 18,which when received in test strip receiving channel 20 is orientedperpendicular to the first and second guide rails 38, 40. This alsohelps mitigate rotation or racking of sled 34 and/or test strip 18.Multiple electrical contacts 118 are individually positioned betweensuccessive pairs of the insulator members 66 and extend into cavity 102where they are contacted by test strip 18 when in the test strip testposition.

Referring to FIG. 10 and again to FIG. 3, according to further aspects,a sled 120 is modified from sled 34 to first and second legs 122, 124.Each of the first and second legs 122, 124 includes two slide guides,which help to further maintain sliding alignment and prevent racking ofsled 120. First leg 122 includes first and second slide guides 126, 128,which can be formed for example from material of first leg 122 by apunching or stamping operation during formation of first leg 122. Secondleg 124 similarly includes third and fourth slide guides 130, 132. Firstand second contact legs 94′, 96′ are provided with sled 120 and aresimilarly located and function the same as previously described inreference to first and second contact legs 94, 96. A cross member 134joins first and second legs 122, 124, but is modified in design comparedto cross member 84 of sled 34. Cross member 134 has first and secondflanges 136, 138 which are oppositely directed compared to first andsecond flanges 86, 88. A sled elongated slot 140 functions the same assled elongated slot 64 of sled 34.

Referring to FIG. 11 and again to FIGS. 5-6 and 9-10, sled 120 is shownafter installation with strip connector 42, which is accomplished in thesame manner as previously described with respect to sled 34.Installation in a sled installation direction “G” normal to a slidingdirection of sled 34 allows sled 34 to be positioned directly over firstand second guide rails 38, 40 and installed prior to installation ofactuator arm 32 without interfering with any other component mounted onprinted circuit board 24, or requiring the other component or componentsto be temporarily removed and/or installed at a later time than theinstallation of sled 34. This allows for automated machine installationof sled 34. During installation of sled 34 in the sled installationdirection “G”, the concave portion 108 of each of the individual legs80, 82 deflects elastically outward with respect to the first or secondguide rail 38, 40. When the concave portion 108 of each of theindividual legs 80, 82 clears the first or second guide rail 38, 40, thelegs 80, 82 elastically snap back to a non-deflected position. With thecontact legs 94′, 96′ received in the rail wall notches 74, the sled 34is thereby slidably coupled to the first and second divider walls 72, 73and the first and second guide rails 38, 40, thereby limiting motion ofsled 34 to sliding motion in either of the loading or ejectiondirections “A”, “B”.

Referring to FIGS. 1-11, for operation, the test strip ejector system 12for receiving and ejecting test strip 18 from fluid analysis device 10includes first and second guide rails 38, 40. Sled 34, 120 is slidablycoupled with respect to one of the first or second guide rails 38, 40for sliding motion in each of the loading direction “A” and the ejectiondirection “B”. Actuator arm 32 is rotatably connected to the fluidanalysis device 10. The sled 34, 120 is coupled to the actuator arm 32such that rotation of the actuator arm 32 in a counter-clockwise loadingrotational direction “H” as shown in FIG. 3 with respect to longitudinalaxis 31 moves sled 34, 120 in the loading direction “A” and positionsthe sled 34, 120 in the test strip test position (shown in FIG. 3).Opposite rotation of the actuator arm 32 in a clockwise ejectionrotational direction “J” operates to displace the sled 34, 120 in theejection direction “B” away from the test strip test position and toposition the first and second contact legs 94, 96 (or 94′, 96′) indirect contact with the test strip 18 to eject the test strip 18 fromthe analysis device 10.

As noted herein, test strip ejectors and systems of the presentdisclosure can be used in meters by individual users having personaltest meters. Test strip ejector systems of the present disclosure canalso be incorporated in commercial devices such as hospital meters, forexample rechargeable test meters recharged by installation in a baseunit, and/or blood glucose meters such as ACCU-CHEK®. Inform Systemglucose meters manufactured by Roche Diagnostics. The test strips usedby such hospital and glucose test meters can be configured differentlyfrom the test strips identified herein to conform to the requirements ofthe test and/or test meter, however the test strip ejector systems ofthe present disclosure will be similarly configured and function in asimilar manner.

In addition, test strip ejectors and systems of the present disclosurecan also be incorporated in individual or commercial devices such asblood coagulant test meters, for example blood clotting time test meterssuch as the COAGUCHEK® XS System coagulant test meters manufactured byRoche Diagnostics. The test strips used by such blood coagulant testmeters can be configured differently from the test strips identifiedherein to conform to the requirements of the test and/or test meter,however the test strip ejector systems of the present disclosure will besimilarly configured and function in a similar manner.

Test strip ejectors of the present disclosure offer several advantages.Sled 34, 120 of the present disclosure provides a sliding motion memberthat is retained by its deflectable legs externally to a parallel set ofguide rails 38, 40. This provides a clear space or cavity 102 betweenthe guide rails for sliding motion of the sled 34, 120 in direct contactwith the test strip 18. The first and second contact legs 94, 96 (94′,96′) of sled 34, 120 extend into rail wall notches 74 and channels 76 ofthe strip connector 42 so continuous contact with test strip 18 ismaintained when test strip 18 is positioned in the test strip receivingport 20 and cavity 102 during sliding motion, at least in the ejectiondirection “B”. According to other aspects, continuous contact betweenfirst and second contact legs 94, 96 (94′, 96′) of sled 34, 120 withtest strip 18 can be maintained during all times when test strip 18 ispositioned in cavity 102. The use of elastically flexible legs 80, 82connected by the cross member 84 minimizes racking motion of sled 34,120. The engagement post 36 of the actuator arm 32 which is received inthe elongated slot 64, 140 of sled 34, 120 converts a rotational motionof actuator arm 32 into the sliding motion of sled 34, 120, minimizingthe space required for the ejection mechanism assembly 26 on printedcircuit board 24, while allowing the ejection mechanism assembly 26 tobe mounted to a side of the guide rails in lieu of in axial relationshipwith the guide rails.

The apparatuses and methods described herein may be implemented by oneor more computer programs executed by one or more processors. Thecomputer programs include processor-executable instructions that arestored on a non-transitory tangible computer readable medium. Thecomputer programs may also include stored data. Non-limiting examples ofthe non-transitory tangible computer readable medium are nonvolatilememory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.

1. A test strip ejector system for receiving and ejecting a test stripof a fluid testing medical device, the system comprising: a stripconnector including first and second guide rails and first and seconddivider walls positioned between the first and second guide rails, eachof the first and second divider walls having a channel; a sled havingparallel first and second legs connected to a cross member separatingthe first and second legs by an initial spacing, each of the legs havinga chamfered end and a contact leg extending inwardly from the chamferedend, the legs initially displaced outwardly with respect to the initialspacing with the chamfered end positioned parallel with respect to theguide rails such that the contact leg of each of the first and secondlegs is received in the channel of one of the first or second dividerwalls, the first and second legs subsequently rotated to an orientationparallel to the first and second guide rails allowing the legs to springback to the initial spacing thereby capturing the contact leg of each ofthe first and second legs in the channel to retain the sled in slidingcontinuous contact with the first and second guide rails for sled motionin each of a loading direction and an ejection direction; and a membermovably connected to the fluid testing device, the cross member of thesled coupled to the member such that member movement in a firstdirection displaces the sled in the loading direction to position thesled in a test strip test position, and opposite member movement in asecond direction operates to displace the sled in the ejection directionaway from the test strip test position and to position the contact legsin direct contact with the test strip to eject the test strip from thefluid testing device by sled travel toward a test strip ejectionposition.
 2. The test strip ejector system for receiving and ejecting atest strip of a fluid testing medical device of claim 1, wherein thefirst and second legs are oriented in mirror image to each other, andeach includes a convex portion transitioning into a concave portion, theconcave portion adapted to capture a guide rail bottom side.
 3. The teststrip ejector system for receiving and ejecting a test strip of a fluidtesting medical device of claim 1, further including an elongated slotcreated in the cross member, wherein a post extending from the member isslidably received and rotatable in the elongated slot.
 4. The test stripejector system for receiving and ejecting a test strip of a fluidtesting medical device of claim 1, wherein the strip connector furtherincludes multiple insulator members contacted by the cross member of thesled to stop sliding displacement of the sled in the ejection direction.5. The test strip ejector system for receiving and ejecting a test stripof a fluid testing medical device of claim 4, further including firstand second flanges extending transversely from the cross member, thefirst flange contacting the multiple insulator members to stop the sled.6. The test strip ejector system for receiving and ejecting a test stripof a fluid testing medical device of claim 1, wherein the contact leg ofthe first leg and the contact leg of the second leg are aligned with oneanother to contact at the same time an end face of the test strip at twodifferent locations to reduce any racking of the test strip.
 7. A teststrip ejector system for receiving and ejecting a test strip of a fluidtesting medical device, the system comprising: a strip connectordefining a strip receiving passage configured to receive an end face ofthe test strip, the strip connector including a first guide rail, asecond guide rail positioned opposite the first guide rail, wherein thestrip receiving passage is located between the first guide rail and thesecond guide rail, a first divider wall positioned between the firstguide rail and the second guide rail, wherein the first divider wallfaces the first guide rail, wherein the first divider wall defines afirst notch, and a second divider wall positioned between the firstguide rail and the second guide rail, wherein the second divider wallfaces the second guide rail, wherein the second divider wall defines asecond notch; a sled configured to slide along the first guide rail andthe second guide rail in a loading direction and an ejection direction,the sled including a first leg slidably engaged to the first guide rail,the first leg having a first contact leg extending into the first notchof the first divider wall, wherein the first contact leg extends intothe strip receiving passage to contact the end face of the test stripduring ejection from the strip receiving passage, a second leg slidablyengaged to the second guide rail, the second leg having a second contactleg extending into the second notch of the second divider wall, whereinthe second contact leg extends into the strip receiving passage tocontact the end face of the test strip during ejection from the stripreceiving passage, and a cross member connecting the first leg to thesecond leg; a mechanism assembly coupled to the cross member of the sledto move the sled in the ejection direction to eject the test strip; andwherein the first contact leg and the second contact leg are alignedwith one another to contact at the same time the end face of the teststrip at two different locations to reduce any racking of the test stripin the strip receiving passage.
 8. The test strip ejector system forreceiving and ejecting a test strip of a fluid testing medical device ofclaim 7, wherein: the second guide rail includes a planar surface uponwhich the second leg of the slide slides; the second leg includes aplanar portion configured to slide along the planar surface; the planarportion extends parallel to the planar surface of the second guide rail;and the second contact leg of the second leg being oriented at an anglerelative to the planar portion that is in a range from 20 to 70 degrees.9. The test strip ejector system for receiving and ejecting a test stripof a fluid testing medical device of claim 7, wherein the first leg andthe second leg each include a chamfered end to facilitate insertion ofthe first contact leg into the first notch and the second contact leginto the second notch.
 10. The test strip ejector system for receivingand ejecting a test strip of a fluid testing medical device of claim 7,wherein the first notch includes a wall positioned to contact the firstcontact leg of the sled to position the sled at a test position for thetest strip.
 11. The test strip ejector system for receiving and ejectinga test strip of a fluid testing medical device of claim 7, wherein: thestrip connector includes multiple insulator members having ends facingthe cross member of the sled; and the cross member of the sled beingpositioned to contact the ends of the insulator members to limit travelof the sled moved in the ejection direction.